Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that praise from someone outside your immediate circle, even a stranger, carries more weight than your own words. This isn't just about humility; it's about the credibility that comes from an unbiased witness, suggesting true character shines brightest when recognized by others.
This verse comes amidst a collection of practical wisdom in Proverbs, following warnings against boasting about tomorrow and a strong emphasis on the value of truth and honesty. It suggests that true worth is recognized and affirmed by others, not by self-proclamations, setting the stage for continued advice on how to navigate social interactions and build genuine character.
This passage directly addresses the issue of human judgment, stating that it matters little to Paul what others think, not even his own assessment, highlighting the importance of God's judgment above all else.
2 Corinthians 10:18Paul explicitly states that 'Not the one who commends himself is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends,' echoing the proverb's sentiment that true worth isn't proven by self-proclamation but by external, divine affirmation.
John 8:54Jesus himself noted, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing,' underscoring the principle that self-praise is inherently insufficient and even detrimental to true honor.
Matthew 6:1-4Jesus teaches about performing righteous deeds not to be seen and praised by others, but in secret, so that the Father who sees in secret will reward, promoting humility over public recognition.
pooleProverbs 27:2: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
Except it be really necessary, either for thy own just vindication, or for the honour of God, or for the edification of others, in which cases this hath been allowed and practised by wise and virtuous men, as particularly by St. Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:12 .
ellicottProverbs 27:2: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
(2) Let another man ( zar ) praise thee . . . a stranger ( nokhrî ) .—As to the difference between these words, see above on Proverbs 2:16 . A higher consideration than this is suggested in 2Corinthians 10:18 .
The verse highlights that praise from someone outside your immediate circle, even a stranger, carries more weight than your own words. This isn't just about humility; it's about the credibility that comes from an unbiased witness, suggesting true character shines brightest when recognized by others.
This verse comes amidst a collection of practical wisdom in Proverbs, following warnings against boasting about tomorrow and a strong emphasis on the value of truth and honesty. It suggests that true worth is recognized and affirmed by others, not by self-proclamations, setting the stage for continued advice on how to navigate social interactions and build genuine character.
This verse comes amidst a collection of practical wisdom in Proverbs, following warnings against boasting about tomorrow and a strong emphasis on the value of truth and honesty. It suggests that true worth is recognized and affirmed by others, not by self-proclamations, setting the stage for continued advice on how to navigate social interactions and build genuine character.
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"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." — The verse highlights that praise from someone outside your immediate circle, even a stranger, carries more weight than your own words. This isn't just about humility; it's about the credibility that…
